APPEAL: Thugs rob victim in underpass because he did not have any cannabis

A TEENAGER was robbed in a dark underpass because he did not have any cannabis, it has emerged.

The 16-year-old victim was with two friends in an underpass under Rushey Way, close to the Asda store, when two thugs approached.

They asked if the boys had any money or cannabis and threatened to damage the victim's bike when he told them he did not have any.

One of the suspects then held his hand in the pocket of his body warmer, causing the victim to fear the thug was carrying a weapon, before walking away with the schoolboy's bike.

Around 30 minutes later, two people matching the description of the suspects were spotted near the underpass near to Gipsy Lane. Investigating police officers believe they had the bike with them at the time.

A police spokesman said: "At about 6.40pm on January 29, the 16-year-old victim was with two friends, aged 16 and 17, in an underpass under Rushey Way leading from the rear of Asda to Chatton Close.

"They were approached by two males, who asked the three boys if they had any money or cannabis. When the victim replied he did not have any money or cannabis, the offenders said they would damage his bike.

"One of the offenders, an older youth, then pushed the victim. The offender had his right hand in a pocket of his body-warmer and threatened him. The victim believed the offender may have had a weapon, though no weapon was seen.

"The youth then took the victim's bike and walked off with it with the other offender."

The youth who threatened the victim was mixed race, around 17 or 18 years old, 5ft 8ins tall and of average build.

His counterpart was male, of average build, wearing a dark grey coat with a grey hoodie underneath. His face was covered.

Ipsoregulated

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